From first impressions to new perspectives

Finding our footing in the 2026 Internship Program

Starting an internship often comes with a lot of assumptions.

We wonder what day-to-day tasks will look like, how quickly we will adjust, who we will meet and whether we will know enough to make a meaningful contribution. Somewhere between orientation, team introductions, new projects and everyday responsibilities, those first impressions begin to evolve.

For us, the first few weeks of the program have been a time of learning, adjusting and finding our footing. While our internship experience is still unfolding, we are already seeing how our expectations compare to reality and how our perspectives have changed in such a short amount of time.

In recognition of National Intern Day, we reflected on what we expected from our internship, what surprised us so far and how we are learning, contributing and making an impact at The Bancorp.

The responses below offer a closer look at how we are experiencing the program so far, beginning with the sense of community and support we have found at The Bancorp.

Community and culture

What is one moment so far that has made you feel welcome/supported at The Bancorp?

Victoria, Fintech Solutions intern
One moment that made me feel welcomed and supported at The Bancorp was the guidance I received from my coach. After my first meeting, he took the time to check in with me, answer my questions and make sure I understood what was discussed. If he does not know the answer, he connects with someone who does. This has helped me feel included and encouraged me to ask questions throughout my internship.

Hana, Credit Solutions intern
The moments that made me feel welcomed and supported here at The Bancorp were the coffee chats and the many meetings we had with employees across various areas of the office. Whether on Zoom or in person, the team was full of encouraging and lively people who gave us great insight into their specific roles, the bank’s evolution and their personalities. This was meaningful because it helped me understand the strong foundation and goals The Bancorp is built on, which are clearly reflected through its people and the progress being made.

First impressions and new perspectives

What have you learned about The Bancorp, your department or the professional world that you did not expect?

Isadora, Credit Solutions intern
In the talk that the interns had with the CEO, I found it interesting to hear about The Bancorp's unique structure. This helped put my work with the Real Estate Bridge Lending team into context as one of the firm's highly specialized, niche lending platforms that supports the broader business model.

John, Audit intern
I have learned the in-depth processes and regulations with how to audit a fintech bank. I have learned how to audit from both a SOX perspective as well as an operational perspective, while also gaining new knowledge in things like generative AI and different applications, or software used in the banking industry.

Nardos, Technology intern
What surprised me most was how approachable everyone is, regardless of their title. I expected a big financial company to feel formal, but I actually had meetings with senior leaders who were willing to sit down with me and walk me through what their departments do and how everything fits together. It changed my perspective on what a professional workplace can feel like, collaborative rather than intimidating.

Complete the sentence: “Before I started, I thought ____. Now I realize ____.”